Regulations

Eastern Limo Trade Groups Closely Track TNC Battles

The campaign for regulatory fairness among limousine companies and Transportation Network Companies has unfolded on many fronts, state-by-state, city-by-city. TNCs are moving well beyond the big urban centers, bringing regulatory challenges to many secondary markets and less populous states. Here is an update on association efforts in three key states:

Before heading to Harrisburg, Pa. to testify before the PUC, Steve Rhoads, (L) of Rhoads Limousine; Philip Jagiela, executive director of the NLA, and PRLA President Jim Salinger pose at Salinger's company, Unique Limousine.

The hearing is an effort by the PUC to gain input to determine whether the commission’s ground transportation rules should be updated to benefit TNCs that have emerged throughout the state.

According to an article on the Website “Law 360,” PUC Chairman Robert Powelson told attending members of various transportation industries that, “The sea change is coming to the marketplace. It’s here. It’s disruptive. But we’re dealing with making sure that they play by these set of rules that allow them to invest like you are invested.

“I thought the commissioners were interested in our testimony (statements were submitted on various TNC issues before the hearing) and I am hopeful it will open their eyes to the issue. I think it was a good beginning,” Salinger said.

Added Jagiela, “We know that not only did we assist with educating the commissioners, and the audience, but made a significant presentation to enlighten them with what is necessary for consideration before granting any changes. We also indicated our NLA Position Paper is not only the perfect framework for their agency to use as a reference when considering granting operating authority, but for them to share with other governmental agencies who need to be involved in the total process of proper licensing for TNCs.”

Specifically, the PUC is looking into updating its regulations on driver integrity, safety, insurance requirements, specific rules for TNCs, and enforcement.

Versace said the FLA is meeting with Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs this week, and hoping to meet with Broward and Miami Dade shortly thereafter to discuss the PSA proposal. The intent of the PSA is to make the public aware of some of the safety issues the FLA wants the riding public to understand about some TNC operations.

A draft of the PSA warning focuses on TNC drivers not having proper insurance, credentials or background screenings.

Versace hops that state and county consumer affairs departments throughout the state will issue the PSA to raise awareness about the new companies that have rapidly spread throughout Florida.

“People in the industry know about the issues with TNCs, but we want to raise more awareness with the public,” Versace said.

Kentucky

Kent M. Sparks( Lake Cumberland Limousine), and secretary of the Kentucky Limousine Association (KLA), reports that the KLA is supporting state regulators who are working on emergency regulations that will start in September to regulate TNCs such as Uber and Lyft that have proliferated through the state. The TNCs that operate in Louisville, Lexington and Cincinnati, which sits on Kentucky's northern border. See The Courier-Journal article here.